Google's Hugo Barra unexpectedly leaves for Xiaomi

From Mountain View to China: Hugo Barra, Google's Vice President for Android Product Management, is leaving the company to join Chinese phone-maker Xiaomi.

In what appears to be one of the most surprising management changes this year, Googe's beloved Vice President for Android Product Management, Hugo Barra, is leaving the Mountain View-based company.

According to AllThingsD, Hugo Barra is leaving Google for rising Chinese phone manufacturer Xiaomi. Google has officially confirmed Barra's departure, but didn't offer details. “We’ll miss him at Google and we’re excited that he is staying within the Android ecosystem,” a Google representative commented.

AllThingsD adds that his sudden departure has something to do with a romantic relationship Hugo had with a fellow Googler, who is now reported to be seeing Google co-founder Sergey Brin. Rumor has it that Brin has divorced his wife, and is now involved with another Googler. We, however, cannot verify if this is true.

Setting the personal aspect aside, it's worth noting that Xiaomi is known for its high-end specs and use of Android as its OS. Barra's Android expertise, without a doubt, will be extremely valuable. Meanwhile, as of this writing, Barra has confirmed he is joining the team in China as the company's Vice President of Xiaomi Global.

The Author

Gene Ryan BrionesGene Ryan Briones (Google+) is a technology journalist with a wide experience in writing about the latest trends in the technology industry, ranging from mobile technology, gadgets and robots, as well as computer hardware and software.